One Fish, Two Fish...

In past years, I've heard pretty awful reviews of the National Aquarium in D.C. However, I recently read that it just underwent a major overhaul. So on a rainy day last week, I decided to check it out.

The National Aquarium in D.C., not to be confused with its much more elaborate partner in Baltimore, is located in the basemet of the Commerce Department. You could literally walk right by it and never even notice. While the address is 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, the actual entry is at the intersection of 14th and D Streets, just across from USAID.

The verdict: There is not much to this aquarium, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.  

If you want something neat to do with out-of-town guests (or older kids), definitely drive to Baltimore. However, if you are looking for a simple way to engage your toddler, this might be a winner.  

The aquarium is accurately advertised as something a D.C. worker can see within a 45-minute lunch break. Likewise, the limited size is perfect for a toddler's attention span. There were no lines or crowds, strollers are welcome and there are just enough animals to make a lasting impression. While the fish were cool, my daughter was most impressed by the alligators, colorful frogs and massive lobster.

There is an animal encounter every day at 2 p.m., when the piranhas, sharks or alligators are fed. At 10 a.m. on every first and third Friday of the month, you can attend Tots and Tales, a story and activity time geared toward toddlers. I plan to go.  

Kids under 3 are free, ages 3 to 11 are $5 and ages 12 and over are $10.